There have been few experiences so exalting for any individual as the experience of Peter, James, and John when they went with Jesus to the mountain, and Jesus was transfigured before them. Today, we climb the mountain with them in our vacation journeys to see once again the glory of Jesus.
Jesus was making a retreat from His ministry among the people, as He often did, so He might commune with His Heavenly Father. This was a common practice, for there was a need for Christ to get away from the people who ever pressed upon Him with their needs for His ministry. This common practice of the Lord became an outstanding experience when Jesus was transfigured before the inner circle of disciples.
Jesus, Peter, James, and John climbed high into the mountain until they were alone. Jesus transfigured before them with blinding white clothes, and Elijah and Moses suddenly appeared with Him. Peter, James, and John were frightened. Then a voice rang out from the cloud that suddenly appeared above them, declaring, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
- Purpose of the incident
- To give the disciples a preview of Christ, their glorified Lord
- He had begun to teach them of His death, and this gave them insight into the purpose
- They saw Christ as a victor and not the victim
- Plan of the incident
- Not that they should abide in the mountain (Mark 9:5)
- That they should recognize the authority of Christ
- Christ was not to be put on an equal footing with Elijah and Moses
- These men were to go back into the world with a ministry for men
- Their ministry would begin after Jesus had risen from the dead
We have a Christ who is glorified. We have a Christ whom we follow. We have a Christ who abides within our hearts. Because of the work of our Lord, there is service for us to render in His name.
Irvin's Legacy 